P.S. 108K Young Engineers Program Showcase

On April 8, 2022, after successfully completing the NYC Department of Design and Construction’s (DDC) STEAM Virtual Young Engineers Program, students from PS 108K Sal Abbracciamento School in Brooklyn held their end of program showcase. The young engineers presented their group models of a “City of the Future” and discussed the many engineering concepts they learned while participating in the STEAM Young Engineers Program (YEP).

Students shared thoughts about their experience and what they learned about the fields of engineering, architecture, and construction management. Working in groups they created models of their vision of a city of the future using the green infrastructure and technologies they were introduced to during the implementation of the Young Engineers Program. They included green features such as bioswales and green roof technology. The students learned how green infrastructure techniques created an eco-friendly environment and how this, in turn, helps a city to be sustainable and resilient.

The city model project also gave students the chance to bring materials from home and afforded them the opportunity to make decisions about choice of materials and the variety of designing techniques they could apply. The model cities included parks, building with green roofs, as well as abstract shaped building structures. It was clear that the students learned to think like engineers. They identified the problems. They investigated. They imagined.

“We help students think critically about the built environment and the concepts of sustainability, equity, resiliency, and healthy living that are driving the next generation of public design. Along the way, we instill confidence in their ability to do advanced math and science. This program opens their eyes to new career opportunities and inspires students to become the urban planners and architects of tomorrow,” said Lee Llambelis, Deputy Commissioner for Community Partnerships and STEAM Initiatives.

Catherine Brandt, who taught the STEAM Young Engineers curricula to her PS 108K students, stated, “The Young Engineers Program Showcase gave our students a chance to demonstrate what they learned while being creative and collaborative in their work. They enjoyed creating their environmentally friendly cities and were truly proud of their accomplishments. I would recommend this program to any school.”

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.